My experience differs. I have the Gustard X26 pro, Topping D90 SE and the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE and the differences in sonic presentation are very apparent. Or maybe, I have 'lost the plot' - my partner certainly thinks so.
I am more dubious about the value of some of these 'big comparisons' of audio components. The main reasons are that the listeners are generally unfamiliar with the room acoustics of the venue, the supporting equipment, the musical sources or even how these factors are interacting in producing what is being heard. Then there is the herd influence that can occur.
All-in-all, there are too many variables in such events for the listener to know if what is being 'presented represents' the optimised components in their own listening environment and with their familiar musical sources.